Hawaiʻi’s nonprofit sector is at serious risk from the federal government shutdown. One in three nonprofits relies on federal funding — nearly 20% of their income. Without this support, critical community services may disappear.
The Human Impact
- Homelessness services are already facing $250,000 in cuts to outreach programs.
- Women in Need had to let go half of its staff.
- Kauaʻi’s only sober living house has closed.
- Oʻahu lost its only domestic violence shelter that allowed pets, leaving survivors with fewer safe options.
- RYSE youth center: 300 young people risk losing housing, meals, and mentorship.
- Nonprofits across Hawaiʻi are struggling with fundraising shortfalls, payroll uncertainty, and dwindling reserves.
- While some federal grants remain uninterrupted, those who are in the awarding or contracting phase may experience delays as federal offices close.
What’s Being Done
- The State has committed $50 million in emergency funding through the Office of Community Services (OCS), with implementation support from Aloha United Way (AUW).
- Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF) has launched a Resiliency Fund, already deploying $300,000 to address urgent needs and fund critical research.
- HCF is working with UHERO, AUW, and HANO to provide data-driven support and direct funding where it is most needed.
- Philanthropy, advocacy, and community partnerships are helping fill urgent gaps — but the need is far greater.
How You Can Take Action
If You Need Help
Call 211 – Hawaiʻi’s Statewide Helpline. Trained specialists are ready to connect you with housing, food, mental health services, and more.
If You Can Help
- Run a Workplace Giving Campaign at your company. Workplace Giving is a lifeline — last year AUW put over $14 million back into the community through workplace campaigns.
- If your company already runs a campaign, it’s the easiest way to support local nonprofits. 100% of donations go directly to the organizations you choose.
- If your workplace doesn’t participate, you can still give at Auw.org/Donate — supporting our Safety Net Fund or our 211 helpline.
Together, we can ensure Hawaiʻi’s safety net remains strong during this time of uncertainty.
Additional Resources
- catholiccharitieshawaii.org/hawaii_relief_program – Catholic Charities Hawai‘i, in partnership with the State of Hawai‘i’s Department of Human Services, is offering housing assistance to eligible applicants experiencing financial hardship. This program is for households with dependent children or someone in their third trimester of pregnancy.
- schatz.senate.gov/shutdown – This list details the status of certain federal programs.
- https://case.house.gov/government-shutdown – FAQs and info about what happens when the government shuts down
- tokuda.house.gov/shutdown – FAQs and info about what happens when the government shuts down
- UHERO Report – Analysis of the Nonprofit Sector as of Oct 2.
- Nonprofit Resource on Federal Actions – List of resources gathered by HANO
- Share Your Story: HANO is collecting stories about the impact of the shutdown on Hawai‘i nonprofits. If you have questions or a story to share, please complete this quick form.
- National Council of Nonprofits (NCN) Webinar on Monday, Oct. 6th at 9:00am HST: “What Nonprofits Need to Know About the Current Federal Grant Landscape”
About Aloha United Way
Founded in 1919, Aloha United Way brings resources, organizations and businesses together to advance the health, education and financial stability of every person in our community. AUW has evolved over the years and adapted to meet our community’s greatest needs focusing on amplifying non-profit agencies and their work as well as the 211 Statewide Helpline, ALICE Initiative and Safety Net Fund. A member of United Way Worldwide, AUW supports nonprofits and communities on Oʻahu. For more information, visit AUW.org or connect with us on social media – @AlohaUnitedWay.
